Living Heritage Koslanda

Living Heritage Koslanda is an eco-luxury boutique hotel set on 80 acres of protected cloud forest in Sri Lanka's hill country. Founded by a Sri Lankan filmmaker with a vision of creating an oasis in one of the island's most sacred and secret locations, the hotel was completed by his widow after his death. Nine rooms combine boutique-style luxury with traditional Sri Lankan architecture and design. Three luxury villa suites feature private courtyards, outdoor plunge pools and moonlit garden showers. Forest Pavilions are uniquely constructed from local timber on cantilevered platforms offering treetop views. All accommodation features antiques sourced from across Sri Lanka and forgotten construction techniques revived by local craftsmen.

‍

What Makes Living Heritage Koslanda Different

The story is inseparable from the place. A filmmaker dreamed it. His widow completed it. That intention flows through every detail. The 80 acres of forest is protected and walking it feels genuinely remote. The infinity pool sits above paddy fields. The private waterfall requires a forest walk to reach, making the experience earned rather than convenient. The architecture uses local timber and revived construction techniques. Every room is different, furnished with antiques that each have a story. At roughly 300 metres elevation, the humidity and heat are less than the south coast and warmer than the higher hill country. Silence here is complete.

‍

What to Expect

A nine-room eco-luxury hotel on 80 acres of cloud forest. Accommodation ranging from rooms to forest pavilions to luxury villa suites with private courtyards and plunge pools. Infinity pool above paddy fields. Private waterfall accessible by forest walk. Multiple ambalamas (pavilions) scattered through the property for reading or quiet sitting. Sri Lankan and Western cuisine prepared daily. Ayurvedic spa treatments. Three or more nights is ideal to explore the estate and surrounding area properly.

‍

Experiences Not to Miss

The walk to the private waterfall. Sunrise from the infinity pool. An Ayurvedic massage in one of the spa pavilions. Afternoon tea at one of the ambalamas overlooking the paddy fields. A naturalist-guided walk through the 80 acres. Dinner prepared with produce from the organic garden. Meditation or yoga on private platforms surrounded by forest.

‍

When to Go and How to Combine It

Year-round, though May and June bring heavier cloud and occasional rain. September through April offers the clearest conditions. The hotel sits between Ella (90 minutes south) and Lipton's Tea Estate (45 minutes north). It works as a hill country base combined with Thotalagala for a tea estates circuit, or connects to the south coast or east coast. Most guests stay 3 to 4 nights.

‍

FAQ

How far is Living Heritage Koslanda from Ella?Ella is approximately 90 minutes by car. The scenic train from Kandy passes through nearby Haputale if that is of interest.

Can I do day trips from the hotel?Yes. The team arranges visits to nearby tea plantations, Buddhist sites and local villages. Lipton's Tea Estate is 45 minutes away. Most guests find the 80-acre estate itself gives them more than enough to explore.

What meals are included?Meals depend on your room rate. When included, the kitchen prepares Sri Lankan rice and curry in the evenings, cooked in clay pots on a wood-burning hearth, and Western dishes on other nights. The chef accommodates all dietary requirements.

Is there Wi-Fi?Yes. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, though many guests use the opportunity to genuinely disconnect.

Is this suitable for families with young children?Yes. The hotel is family-friendly with safe walking trails and multiple dining options. Large suites can accommodate families and the natural setting engages all ages.

What is the best time to visit?February offers the clearest skies and most settled weather. September through April generally provides good conditions. May to June brings more cloud and occasional rain, but the property is quieter and rates are lower.